Instagram Cracks Down On Social Media Drug Deals

Instagram is not only the place for an abundance of selfies, thirst traps and boasting, apparently there’s a whole other dark side to the social media app that I never knew about. There’s a black market for drug dealing on Instagram and the powers that be are trying everything they can to shut it down. According to BBC, various Instagram users post pictures of their product and allow prospective buyers to contact them through the site; you just have to know what hashtags to search. And now that this fact is making the rounds in the media, Instagram says it has implemented a set of filters to block the illegal activity.

Social media is supposed to be used for social purposes, but restless internet users often find interesting ways to use social media that deviates from its intent. Instagram isn’t even supposed to be used for transactions, but I know that I’ve purchased vintage items via hashtags and have even sold a few older items from my closet by simply posting a photo and asking my followers to buy it.

“Instagram has a clear set of rules about what is and isn’t allowed on the site,” an Instagram spokeswoman told the BBC. “We encourage people who come across illegal or inappropriate content to report it to us using the built-in reporting tools next to every photo, video or comments, so we can take action.”

Let’s play a game. In the comments below, tell me what hashtag you think people have to search on Instagram to find the drugs?